| Author | Message | ||
| Seekinglight Registered user Username: Seekinglight Post Number: 254 Registered: 3-2009 |
I ran across this article recently regarding spiritual formation: http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue91.htm I'm curious what you think about this topic. Are spiritual disciplines just another form of legalism? Are they natural manifestations of self-control (of the fruit-of-the-Spirit variety)? | ||
| Animal Registered user Username: Animal Post Number: 547 Registered: 7-2008  |
I hope you understand what i am about to post.... The beauty of the Gospel is its simplicity. Even a child can understand the gospel and be saved. I try to stay away from any article or any person who seeks to complicate the beauty of the gospel message. This article does just that,,destroys the simplicity of the Gospel message. After reading a few paragraphs I closed the window. A complete waste of my time. The purpose of the gospel is to save souls. That simple !!! Animal...keep the gospel simple..stick to the Bible!!! | ||
| Benevento Registered user Username: Benevento Post Number: 293 Registered: 4-2005 |
Of course he actually is refuting Spiritual disciplines, we did a study of some of them in one Sunday school class where the author was promoting fasting,anb other things, but don't do it longer than 40 days. That is what Jesus did. When WWII was over I took care of people who managed to live through the camps the Japanese had for Americans--they were starving, and the docs claimed that 45 day of fasting, and it usually was irreverisable. In some cases they had had small amounts of food but not enough to sustain them. It was very sad. I decided (and I could be wrong) that moderate and temperate behavior was better. I didn't read all the article, but I do agree with his conclusion. I think they are adding to the gospel with many of these disciplines! I agree with Animal--don't get me wrong, there is a time for fasting and prayer, but we do have to live and keep moving! Peggy | ||
| Benevento Registered user Username: Benevento Post Number: 294 Registered: 4-2005 |
Of course he actually is refuting Spiritual disciplines, we did a study of some of them in one Sunday school class where the author was promoting fasting,and other things, but don't do it longer than 40 days. That is what Jesus did. When WWII was over I took care of people who managed to live through the camps the Japanese had for Americans--they were starving, and the docs claimed that 45 day of fasting, and it usually was irreverisable. In some cases they had had small amounts of food but not enough to sustain them. It was very sad. I decided (and I could be wrong) that moderate and temperate behavior was better. I didn't read all the article, but I do agree with his conclusion. I think they are adding to the gospel with many of these disciplines! I agree with Animal--don't get me wrong, there is a time for fasting and prayer, but we do have to live and keep moving! Peggy | ||
| Seekinglight Registered user Username: Seekinglight Post Number: 255 Registered: 3-2009 |
Animal, I agree with you. I think the author was trying to make that point, actually--indicating that focusing on spiritual disciplines is complicating the Gospel. | ||
| Seekinglight Registered user Username: Seekinglight Post Number: 256 Registered: 3-2009 |
Yeah, the article is actually arguing AGAINST spiritual disciplines--saying they're an unnecessary burden to the Christian, and do not fulfill the purposes intended. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 10088 Registered: 12-2003  |
All my "red flags" unfurl when I begin hearing/reading about spiritual disciplines. They can so easily become a distraction away from trusting Jesus. If we live by the Spirit, He definitely impresses us with what He wants us to submit and surrender. We don't find God's will by practicing disciplines to try to discover what He wants. It's backwards! Not that God won't discipline us..but HE initiates! Colleen |
